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Used with permission of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
Photographer Cathy ten Broeke captured this underground, makeshift, sleeping arrangement in Greater Minnesota on a tip that a veteran was living here.1 / 2

Used with permission of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
Photographer Cathy ten Broeke captured Dennis, who served in the Army for seven and a half years. He has been homeless for many years.2 / 2

The city of Evansville will get an intimate look at the realities for Minnesota's homeless veterans as a statewide photo exhibit tour comes to town.

Portraits of Home II: Veterans in Search of Shelter in Greater Minnesota is a photo exhibit focusing on the day-to-day challenges of homeless military veterans.

This exhibit will be at the Evansville Art Center (EAC) starting today, Friday, June 4, and will run through July 26.

Gallery hours are every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by special appointment. Call either (218) 948-2836 or (218) 948-2377 to set up an appointment.

Because this exhibit is large, EAC will display part of Portraits of Home II in June and the rest in July.

Portraits of Home II reveals the significant challenges Minnesota's homeless veterans face on a daily basis, according to Warren Nelson, president and CEO of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) and sponsor of this exhibit.

"Fortunately, housing and veteran organizations are already embracing this issue and providing the supportive housing needed to help these veterans with safe, decent and affordable places to live," he said.

Nelson said there is still work to be done, and that this statewide tour helps underscore the need to help those who have done so much.

This photographic exhibit builds upon the successful and groundbreaking Portraits of Home - Families in Search of Shelter exhibit sponsored by GMHF that traveled the state from 2005 through 2007.

Portraits of Home II is presented statewide by GMHF in cooperation with Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and Heading Home Minnesota.

Every day in communities across Greater Minnesota, veterans struggle to maintain their stability, safety and dignity under extraordinarily difficult conditions. The deeply moving images presented in this art exhibit reveal the challenging circumstances faced by these men and women and their families who are struggling to persevere.

Evansville's American Legion Auxiliary Post 188 will host a reception on Saturday, July 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Evansville Art Center. Refreshments will be served. EAC invites area veterans to attend.